2019 Elections: Buhari Talks To Commonwealth About 'One Nigeria'

President Muhammadu Buhari held talks with the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland, and told her that Nigerians will have confidence in a government they elected in free and fair polls.

Nigeria's general elections will hold in less than four days and President Muhammadu Buhari has assured the Commonwealth that 'One Nigeria' is an issue that is not negotiable.

Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland, who witnessed a Peace Accord signing held at International Conference Centre for presidential candidates of different parties, held talks with President Buhari after the ceremony.

At the meeting on Wednesday, President Buhari told Scotland that he was after a free and fair election.

In a statement, Buhari's spokesman, Femi Adesina, said the President emphasised that people have more confidence in a government they have elected in free and fair polls, than one that wangles its way into office through artifice and subterfuge.

"One Nigeria is non-negotiable," the President said.

"Over two million people died in the civil war we fought, and when people elect their own government through a free and fair process, they have more confidence in such government.

"We will not spare any effort to organise credible polls, and people should come out and vote for their choices," he added.

President Buhari expressed pleasure that the Commonwealth was showing keen interest in the Nigerian election, appreciating Rt. Hon. Scotland for coming all the way to be a part of what would engender free and fair polls.

The Secretary-General described Nigeria as "a treasured member of the Commonwealth family".

She believes that the signing of the Peace Accord will lead to better voter turnout, "as they would have seen the commitment to peace by all the main actors".

She commended what she described as President Buhari's "calmness and good humour," even as the polls approach, stressing:

"When Nigeria is healthy, vibrant and strong, the whole of Africa is strengthened."

Rt. Hon. Scotland also lauded "the energetic way" the President has pursued issues of security and anti-corruption, pledging that the Commonwealth stands ready to assist Nigeria at all times.

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